Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Scandinavian Spring Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/19/2015 to 05/15/2015 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I think my experience abroad was definitely worthwhile. I really enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about Europe while in Europe, and I also really liked the less formal class structure - the classes were more like discussions as opposed to lectures.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Administration was fantastic.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Living arrangements were great - probably even better than they are back home.

* Food:

Food was great, but really, really expensive.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Not that integrated - I was in a kollegium with 30+ Americans so I mostly interacted with them.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No issues.

* Safety:

Copenhagen is by far the safest city I've ever been to.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Cost of living here is astronomically high. Casual discussions of Copenhagen pre-departure sort of touched on this, but not really.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? A lot - i'm not sure if I can recall precise details though.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Korean 30 - not relevant in Denmark.
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Try it in controlled settings like cafes, bakeries, etc.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Academic Format
  • Food
  • Travel
* What could be improved?
  • Integration with local community
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That the cost of living in Copenhagen is really, really high.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.